Apple Working on Dedicated iOS Game Controller?Pocketgamer reports that Apple spoke with a number of developers at the Game Developers Conference this week about providing game support for a new, official iOS game controller. Apple was rumored to have a physical game controller in the works for the iPhone last year, but nothing has yet seen the light of day. Two iCade Game Controller ProductsOf course, there's no official word yet, but Apple has been active during the conference talking to developers about its plans and ensuring plenty of games will support the joypad at launch. It's been operating a meeting room at the show, albeit booked under a pseudonym company name to avoid media attention. However, speaking anonymously, multiple developer sources have confirmed the news to PocketGamer.biz.Back in 2008, Apple applied for a patent relating to a Wiimote-like controller, but there is no indication that patent is related to this effort. There are a number of third-party game controllers including the iCade line and an Atari Joystick. However, these third-party efforts have been hampered by a lack of widespread support from developers. MacRumors had heard previously that Apple had originally supported accessory makers in their quest to make official dock-connector game controllers, but then the approval process was mysteriously halted. Some had speculated at the time that Apple was working on their own game controller solution. For what it's worth, none of our GDC contacts have heard anything to corroborate the Pocketgamer story, and there is no indication of when or if such a controller might launch. Recent Mac and iOS Blog Stories • Piracy-Crippled Game From Hunted Cow Returns to App Store as 'Battle Dungeon: Risen' • Vine Updated with Web Embeds, Third Party Sharing on Facebook and Twitter • Unlikely Rumor Claims June 20 Media Event to Introduce iPhone 5S • TweetDeck for Mac Updated with Improved Filters, Keyboard Commands, and Advanced Search Tools • 'Find My Friends' Updated With Redesigned Location Alerts Page • Arrowhead's 'Magicka' Makes its Way to the iPad • NimbleBit's Latest Freemium Game 'Nimble Quest' Launches on iOS • Former Apple Employee Rediscovers Photos from Steve Jobs' First Day Back at Apple
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/03/29/apple-working-on-dedicated-ios-game-controller/
